Changing Trends in Aetiology of Amputations: A 12-year Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The Kashmir valley, which has experienced political instability since 1989, has witnessed a rise in amputations and a different aetiology compared to other parts of India. Limited data exists on the changing patterns of various causes of amputations before and after 1989 in the Kashmir valley, India. Aim: To analyse the demographic characteristics, amputation patterns, and different causes among amputees. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) of Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla, Srinagar, India. The study included 504 patients whose medical records were reviewed from 2006 to 2018 to identify the aetiology, geographical distribution, and level of amputation. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the frequencies of various causes and levels of amputation. Results: The study found that the most common traumatic causes of amputation were Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), firearm injuries, and blasts. Non traumatic amputations (vascular disease and malignancies) accounted for 30% of cases. Lower limb amputations (91.5%) were more prevalent than upper limb amputations (8.5%). Conclusion: Prior to 1989, RTA accidents were the major cause of amputations, but there was a surge in amputations caused by firearm injuries and blasts. Additionally, there has been increase in amputations caused by malignancies and dysvascular ischaemia in non traumatic causes.

Keywords

• demography
• diabetic foot
• lower extremity
• peripheral vascular disease
• prosthesis and implants
• upper extremity
• wounds and injuries